Trans Tech Announces New Standard Features for MY2017 Buses

A taller passenger entrance door is among the design and safety upgrades coming to the 2017 model-year Trans Tech line as a result of customer and dealer feedback, the Type A school bus manufacturer said.

The height of the redesigned entry door increases to 76 inches from 72 inches to "enhance passenger convenience and safety due to improved passenger accessibility," Trans Tech added in statement. Other new equipment includes new rub-rail end caps that eliminate the need for welds and enhance corrosion protection, more durable and corrosion-resistant, rear-wheel fenders that improve vehicle appearance and corrosion-resistant door handles. The upgrades are standard on all models starting in November.

“Trans Tech’s 2017 model year enhancements are all part of the company’s desire to exceed customer expectations," said John Phraner, the company's president. "Trans Tech continues to lead the Type-A school market in vehicle innovation and design. These innovations not only enhance our entire line-up, they will lead to even greater overall customer and dealer satisfaction.”

The company explained that the need for welding has been eliminated with the newly designed end caps that slide under the rub-rail with overlap. The result, Trans Tech added, is the elimination of potential corrision points, as well as increased strength. The redesigned Rear Wheel Fender secure points, meanwhile, eliminates the need for cosmetic sealant. This structural and cosmetic improvement increases the buses durability and aesthetics. Additionally, the door handles are no longer chrome-plated. Instead, they are powder-coated black with handle mounting brackets powder-coated stainless steel. These structural and cosmetic improvements, Trans Tech said, will protect against corrosion and increase durability, and also add to vehicle aesthetics.

Trans Tech also features fuel efficiency gains with its aerodynamic body design and increased passenger safety and versatility with Versa-Track seating.

“We pride ourselves on being school bus innovators,” Phraner added. “Our aerodynamic and stylish designs improve fuel efficiency, Trans Tech’s Versa-Track seating provides maximum safety and versatility, our best-in-class, three-year/60,000-mile vehicle warranty is unmatched, and we are re-energizing an American icon with the power of electricity by introducing the world’s only all-electric Type-A school bus...and as long as we stay connected to our customers Trans Tech will continue to innovate and lead into the future.”

Trans Tech will debut one of its 2017 school buses with the new features at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Annual Conference on Nov. 10 in Richmond, Virginia.

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